Includes index.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Part I. Neuroimmune interactions --
Cytokines and the blood-brain barrier --
Neurochemical and endocrine responses to immune activation: the role of cytokines --
Neural pathways mediating behavioral changes associated with immunological challenge --
Molecular basis of cytokine function --
Interferon-, molecular signaling pathways and behavior --
Exercise and stress resistance: neural-immune mechanisms --
Part II. Neuroimmunological basis of behavior --
Alteration of neurodevelopment and behavior by maternal immune activation --
Interleukin-2 and septohippocampal neurons: neurodevelopment and autoimmunity --
Cytokine-induced sickness behavior and depression --
Effect of systemic challenge with bacterial toxins on behaviors revelant to mood, anxiety and cognition --
Cytokines, immunity and sleep --
Cytokines and aggressive behavior --
Neurochemical and behavioral changes induced by interleukin-2 and soluble interleukin-2 receptors --
Part III. Neuroimmunological basis of mental disorders --
Immunity and depression: a clinical perspective --
Cytokines, immunity and schizophrenia with emphasis on underlying neurochemical mechanisms --
Immunobiological and neural substrates of cancer-related neurocognitive deficits --
Autoimmunity and brain dysfunction --
Viruses and psychiatric disorders --
Microglial cells and inflammatory cytokines in the aged brain.

The fields of neuroscience, neuroimmunology, and psychiatry have seen remarkable growth over the past decade. For many years, it was believed that viruses, bacteria and other pathogens could precipitate psychiatric and neurological abnormalities. Recent developments in the field of neuroimmunology have provided insights into the possible relationships between immune function and behavioral disorders. Specifically, a physiological feedback loop between the brain and immune systems, notably involving cytokines, have been identified, thus permitting an analysis of how pathogens may come to potently alter brain function. Such changes may affect adaptive and abnormal behaviors. This book examines the nature of these relationships.